West meets Iran for nuclear talks

(NECN/ABC) – Talks aimed at stopping Iran’s nuclear program got underway in Geneva, Switzerland on Thursday. Representatives from the United States, Great Britain, France, Germany, Russia and China were at the table with the Iranians, turning up the heat in hopes of learning more about Iran’s second nuclear site in Qom, which was revealed last week. The international community seeks more access — for international inspectors to be allowed to go in, talk to scientists, and review documents. As spokesman for the National Security Council Mike Hammer said, Iran should either co-operate or face consequences. “We’ll see if the Iranians are prepared to start a process that could lead to them being re-integrated into the international community of nations, or if whether they choose a path of isolation. They have a choice to make here,” Hammer said. Ultimately, the idea of these talks is to put pressure on Iran and galvanize more talks and move forward on this issue. If further talks break down, the United States has identified possible sanctions against Iran, but those are not expected to come up Thursday. This is not the first time the United States has sat down with Iran for these kinds of talks, but it is the first time the U.S. delegation will participate — previously they were just observers. ABC’s Lama Hasan reports.